Floor and wall construction



Nov. 22, 1966 w. P. BRANSTRATOR 3,

FLOOR AND WALL CONSTRUCTION ori inal Filed June' 27, 1960 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. WAYNE P. BRANSTRATOR ATTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INV EN TOR.

ATTORNEY W. P. BRANSTRATOR WAYN E F? BRANSTRATOR FLOOR AND WALL CONSTRUCTION Original Filed June 27. 1960 Nov. 22, 1966 Nov. 22, 1966 w. P. BRANSTRATOR 3,286,421

FLOOR AND WALL CONSTRUCTION Original Filed June 2'7, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jay-[3 JNVENTOR.

WAYN E P. BRAIvs TRA ToR J zy-l] :7

ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,286,421 FLOOR AND WALL CONSTRUCTION Wayne P. Branstrator, 2916 Ridgeway Drive, Fort Wayne, Ind. Continuation of application Ser. No. 38,903, June 27, 1960. This application July 31, 1963, Ser. No. 300,407 4 Claims. (Cl. 52250) This application is a continuation-in-part of my application, Serial No. 819,320 filed June 10, 1959, now abandoned, and a continuation of my application, Serial No. 38,903, filed June 27, 1960, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to a building structure and particularly a floor construction that is preferably formed of concrete. Concrete floor constructions heretofore employed and particularly a concrete slab that is ground and finished upon its upper surface to constituting a terrazzo floor has been subject to dampness, due to condensation upon the terrazzo surface, creating an objectionable condition within a building, encouraging the accumulation of mildew and extreme dampness within rugs or other floor covering that may be laid over the area.

Concrete slabs have heretofore been poured directly upon a base formed of sand or other fill or may be poured upon suitable forms that support the slab during the pouring of the concrete. In no case, has the slab been free from dampness and condensation, primarily due to the lack of ventilation and creates an unhealthy condition for the occupants of the building. This invention relates particularly to a novel floor construction wherein two separate slabs of concrete are poured, one constituting the base slab, while the other slab constitutes the terrazzo floor area and with novel means being provided to support the slabs in spaced apart relations whereby air may freely circulate between the slabs, to effectively prevent condensation or dampness upon the terrazzo floor.

The invention also contemplates a lower or base slab and a plurality of superposed and spaced apart plugs. pillars or piling that is connected with the base slab and that constitutes the spacing means for reinforcing steel and the upper slab to be poured in place to embed the steel and to maintain the two slabs in spaced apart relation.

The invention also contemplates a novel method of forming a floor wherein a base slab is initially poured over any desirable supporting medium and, prior to the setting of the concrete, a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart plugs or pillars are embedded in the slab to be upstanding a predetermined distance above the slab after which, the slab is covered by a fill of sand or equivalent material to a predetermined level or to the tops of the plugs and then, reinforcing steel is preferably connected in crossed relation and supported upon the plugs to be secured by tie wires or equivalent means carried by the plugs and then the upper slab poured over the tops of the plugs, with the sand fill constituting a form after the upper slab has hardened and the sand is washed away by hydraulic means, or air pressure creating a space between the two slabs that may function as air circulating means to both cool and heat the upper slabs as the occasion may require and with the upper slab being subsequently finished.

Another object of the invention is to provide 'a unique method of constructing a unitary floor structure comprising a lower or base slab and an upper slab so that any one of various side wall structures desired can be built and supported upon the lower slab in juxtaposed relation to the upper slab.

A particularly important objective of the invention is to provide a unitary floor structure of the character above referred to in which the space or plenum between the ICC slabs can be communicatively connected with the interior of a room through the agency of registers placed in the upper slab and/ or in wall structure to heat or cool such room when a furnace or air conditioner is connected to such space.

A significant object of the invention is to provide an improved floor structure in which the height or thick ness of the space therein may be increased or decreased at one or more locations or areas in order to assist in establishing an efiicient method or system of distributing a uniform flow of air in such space.

Also, an object of the invention is to provide a floor structure in which the lower slab thereof has an upper surface which is inclined or sloped at one or more locations in a manner whereby to assist in the distribution and free circulation of air in the space between the slabs and at the same time afford an arrangement whereby any liquid appearing on the lower slab will be caused to flow into a drain provided in the lower slab.

An important object of the invention is to provide a novel floor structure of the character above described in which the upper slab is provided with wall structure or means defining a waterproof container or receptacle for certain components such as a furnace, air conditioner and a hot water tank and providing the upper slab with an opening through which water, accidentally released from the tank may flow downwardly onto the lower slab and/or into a drain.

A further and significant object of the invention is to provide a unique structure or method for circulating air from the air space or plenum between the floor slabs through a room, such as a clothes closet, in a manner whereby to alleviate dampness and the formation of mildew on articles, such as wearing apparel hung in the closet.

A further object of the invention is to provide a floor structure having a large space therein of a size which substantially corresponds to the size of the structure for the free circulation of air and convenient installation of piping and wiring for utilities and ready access thereto for repair or maintenance.

Novel features of construction and operation of the device will be more clearly apparent during the course of the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein has been illustrated a preferred form of the device and wherein like characters of references are employed to denote like parts throughout the several figures.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view, parts broken away illustrating the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary vertical section illustrating the method of forming the lower and upper slabs with a sand fill constituting the form for the upper slab;

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, but with the supporting sand being washed away to constitute a ventilation area between the slabs;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of one desirable form of supporting and spacing plugs;

FIGURE 5 is a partial perspective view of a lower slab of a floor structure provided with sloping or inclined areas to assist in the distribution of air from a furnace or air conditioner for heating or cooling, with a sump and drain for draining off any liquid which may collect or fall into such areas;

FIGURE 6 is a partial perspective view of an upper slab of a floor structure provided, among other things, with a wall structure or means defining a receptacle for a component, such as a hot water heater, so that any water accidentally released therefrom, will be confined in such receptacle for flow through an opening in the slab to a drain in the lower slab;

FIGURE 7 is a vertical section of a floor structure in which the height of the space between the slabs is greater at its central area than at the sides of the structure;

FIGURE 8 is a partial vertical section of a floor structure showing one form of wall supported on a lower slab of the structure;

FIGURE 9 is a partial vertical section of a floor structure depicting another form of wall supported on a lower slab of the structure;

FIGURE 10 is a partial vertical section of a floor structure illustrating a further form of wall mounted on a lower slab;

FIGURE 11 is a partial vertical section similar to FIG- URE 10 showing an additional form of wall structure;

FIGURE 12 is a partial vertical section of a floor structure embodying the features of FIGURES and 6;

FIGURE 13 is a partial vertical section of a floor structure showing a room, such as a clothes closet, communicatively connected with an air space between slabs of a floor and a vented space; and

FIGURE 14 is a partial vertical section showing the manner in which the pillars or piers are embedded in the floor structure and the reenforcing members are connected to the pillars.

Referring specifically toFIGURES 1 through 4 of the drawings, the numeral 5 designates a lower concrete slab that is poured over any desirable supporting form, such as wood forms or possibly directly upon a sand base. Embedded into the slab 5 prior to the setting of the concrete, are a plurality of equidistantly space apart and pre-' ferably frusto conical concrete plugs. The plugs 6, shown particularly in FIGURE 4 embody a concrete body of frusto conical shape, having flat upper and lower ends. Each of the plugs 6 have embedded therein tie wires 7 and with the tie wires having a preferably depending loop 8 that extends below the bottom of the plugs and whereby the loops 8 and the lower portions of the plugs are embedded in the slab 5. The loop 8 however is not critical. The upper ends of the Wires 7 constitute tie means for reinforcing steel rods 9. The several plugs extend above the slab 5 a predetermined distance and with the fiat tops of the plugs all being in the same horizontal plane. The distance that the plugs 6 above the slab 5 is determined by the desired spacing between the slab and an upper slab, to be described. With the plugs 6 installed, the slab 5 is permitted to completely harden and then, suitable forms are installed around the periphery of the floor to be constructed, preferably to the height of the tops of the plugs 6. Sand, constituting a removable form means, is then spread over the slab 5, to the height ofthe tops of the plugs 6, as indicated at 10. The rein-' forcing steel rods 9 are then installed in crossed relation upon the tops of the plugs 6 and tied together by the wires 7. The sand 10 is preferably water soaked and packed firmly to constitute a level supporting form for the upper slab 11. With the reinforcing steel in position, the upper slab is then poured in position, substantially embedding the reinforcing steel and with the concrete forming the upper slab 11 being simultaneously supported upon the sand 10 and the tops of the several plugs. With the slab 11 poured to a desired thickness, it is allowed to harden. The forms are then removed and any suitable means is then employed to remove the sand 11, such as hydraulic or air pressure, creating the air space 12. The slab 11 will then be wholly supported upon the tops of the several plugs 6, being also reinforced by the rods 9. After the slab 11 has sufficiently hardened, the surface may be finished in any desirable means, such as terrazzo. It may be found desirable in addition to the rods 11 to embed or overlie the rods with a section of conventional road mesh 13. There has now been provided a fioor comprising a pair of concrete slabs in overlying spaced relation to constitute the air space 12. While the plugs 6 have been illustrated as frustums, it will be apparent that these plugs may be cylinders or squares.

For ventilation purposes, the space 12 may be provided at predetermined points around the periphery of the floor with suitable air openings whereby to provide a circulation of air throughout the space 12. The space 12 may be connected with any suitable air pump for forced circulation of air and the pump may be of any suitable form capable of pumping either cooling air or heated air. The circulation of air effectively prevents condensation upon the surface of slab 11, resulting in retarding the accumulation of mildew or the like in a building. In cold weather, the floor construction provides a very desirable heating medium for the building, since heated air can be circulated through the space 12 to heat the upper slab 11 to be radiated upwardly into the area of the building, such heated floor slabs being well recognized as a most desirable means for heating a building in an even manner.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that a very novel form of floor structure has been provided. The floor is economically formed, since no supporting form for the upper slab is necessary other than the sand fill 10. Double floor or other types of slabs have heretofore been employed, but it has been necessary that relatively expensive forms be employed to support the slabs in spaced apart relation. The plugs 6 are economically formed in a suitable mold and constitutes a most desirable means for supporting the slabs in spaced apart relation after the sand has been washed away. The sand in this particular area is expendable but, may be washed away into a suitable receptacle for subsequent use. The structure is strong and most effectively provides a means to overcome the very objectionable accumulation of dampness due to condensation.

As alluded to above the slabs of the fioor structure may be designed and constructed in various ways. FIG- URE 5, for example, shows a lower slab provided with a relatively large inclined surface 15 and a smaller similar surface 16 disposed substantially transverse to the surface 15. These surfaces slope toward a well or recess 17 which is connected to a drain 18 extending under the slab and outwardly therefrom for carrying off any water to a storm sewer or to a location remote from the building. The surfaces 15 and 16 serve to gradually increase the height or thickness of the space between the slabs or the size thereof, at any desired area or areas so that when a furnace or air conditioner is communicatively connected with the recess 17 the air will flow into such areas for distribution therefrom to promote circulation of the air in the space defined by the slabs. Otherwise expressed, the surfaces 15 and 16 serve to provide what may be termed manifolds or open ducts which assist in conveying and efiiciently distributing the air in the space to be heated or cooled.

In FIGURE 6 of the drawing, there is depicted an upper or top slab of a floor structure provided with wall structure or means defining a recess or formation 19 in which is located, for example, a hot water heater 20 and a furnace and air conditioner unit 21 as illustrated in FIG- URE 12. The formation is preferably moulded to constitute an integral portion of the upper slab and therefore is substantially waterproof. Obviously, the upper and inner surfaces of the formation may be coated with a suitable waterproof material or seal and if desired a separate waterproof container or receptacle may be mounted on the upper slab in lieu of the formation 19. The formation 19 is provided with an aperture 22 through which water or liquid may flow downwardly into a drain such as the drain shown in FIGURES 5 and 12, in the event the tank of the water heater or water from some other appliance placed in the formation should release water. This organization serves to prevent water from running over the top slab into adjacent rooms and damaging rugs and other floor furnishings.

The formation 19 is also provided with a relatively large opening 23 shown in FIGURES 6 and 12, so that warm or cold air from the unit 21 can be discharged into the space between the slabs as indicated by the arrows through use of the distributing areas above referred to or by utilizing other means suitable for the purpose whereby air will be caused to circulate freely in such space and about pillars 24 which support an upper slab on a lower slab as shown in FIGURE 12.

FIGURE 7 of the drawing exemplifies an upper slab 25 supported on a lower slab 26 by pillars 27, the latter of which are of various heights, due to the fact that the lower slab is comprised of inclined portions 28. The lower slab is provided with a drain 29 for .releaseing any water appearing in the space between the slabs. The upper slab is provided with an opening 30, the size of which may be varied for different uses, such as for pipes, wiring, passage of air or liquid.

Attention is directed to the important fact that the upper slab 25 in FIGURE 7 is preferably of a size somewhat smaller than the lower slab 26 so that the edges of the upper slab are inset with reference to the edges of the lower slab in order to provide spaces for the erection of any one of various side wall structures upon the lower slab in juxtaposed relation to the upper slab, as evidenced, for example, in FIGURES 8 through 11.

In FIGURE 8 there is shown an upper slab 31 supported by pillars on a lower slab 32, with a foundation 33 supporting the edge portions of the lower slab as is also shown in FIGURE 7. A wall structure of frame construction is carried by the lower slab and includes a plate 34 secured to the lower slab by bolts 35 having shanks anchored in the slab and the foundation. A plurality of short studs 36 (only one shown) are mounted on the plate on 16" centers and support a pair of horizontal members 37. Studs 38 (only one shown) are mounted on the members 37 and a horizontal partition 39 is secured between a pair of these studs in spaced relation to members 37. An outer ply of insulation 40 and siding 41 may be attached to the studs 36 and 38, members 37 and the plate 34 and a strip of insulation 42 between the upper slab and the plate 34 and the lowermost of the members 37. This strip may be notched so that air in the space between the slabs can flow through the strip into the space between the short studs 36, through a space formed by cutting out portions of the members 37 between the studs 38, and through a register 43 extending into the plaster of finished side of the wall structure. If desired, the plate 34 may be bevelled at 44 to promote the upward flow of air to the register; also the foundation 33 may be rabbeted to provide a seat for the lower slab. In other words, when the foundation is rabbeted the size of the lower slab is preferably made the same size as the upper slab. It will be noted that the pillars are reenforced by elements, preferably in the form of stiff rustproof wire, which extends through the pillars. Each element has a looped extremity 45 disposed in the lower slab and free ends wrapped about reenforcing rods 46 in the upper slab.

FIGURE 9 discloses a wall structure of a form different from the one depicted in FIGURE 8, and preferably includes a plate 47 anchored to a lower slab 48, a notched strip of insulation 49, and a horizontal partition 50 secured between a pair of studs 51 mounted on the plate, the arrangement being such that warm or cold air can flow from a space between the lower slab and upper slab 52 and into a room through a shuttered register 53 as indicated by the arrow. It will be noted that the edge of the upper slab is preferably bevelled at 54 and the plate at 55 in order to promote the flow of air to the register. These bevels are also present in FIGURE 8.

The wall structure exemplified in FIGURE is primarily of masonry and preferably includes, a row of cement or cinder blocks 56 mounted on a lower slab 57 with a strip of insulation 58 interposed between the blocks and the edges of an upper slab 59. A plate 60 is secured to the blocks with studs 61 mounted on the plate and 6 bricks 62 mounted on the blocks. The upper slab may be provided with one or more floor registers 63 located in openings 64 provided therefor in such slab so that warm or cold air can flow from the space between the slabs into a room through the registers as indicated by the arrow.

The Wall structure illustrated in FIGURE 11 is also primarily of masonry and preferably comprises an inner vertical wall of blocks 65 and an outer wall 66 of bricks mounted on a lower slab 67, with certain of the blocks and bricks being removed to provide an opening for a tubular ventilator 68 having a shutter for controlling the admission of air into a space 69 between the slab 67 and an upper slab 70. The shutter or damper of the ventilator may be opened or closed as desired and a screen in the ventilator prevents entry of insects. A notched strip of insulation 71 is placed between the lowermost row of blocks 65 and the edge of the upper slab 70 and also serves as a vapor barrier in the same manner as the strips above referred to. Obviously, a pair of insulating strips may be employed in FIGURES 8, 9 and 11 to define an opening for the passage of air in lieu of providing a notch in a single strip.

Attention is directed to the fact that the upper slab may be provided with a plurality of openings suitably located for electric heaters 72 having coils 73 therein and a shutter or damper. Air may be received from the outside through the ventilator 68 and/ or the space 69 between the slabs for passage through the heaters for heating as it enters the room or space to be heated. A

control 100 is electrically connected to the coils for auto-- matically regulating the temperature.

The structure illustrated in FIGURE 13 of the drawing is unique and comprises a floor structure having a space 74 between upper and lower slabs 75 and 76 and a room, such as a clothes closet 77 having a rod 78 therein for supporting clothes 79 over one or more openings provided with registers 80 having shutters or dampers for controlling the flow of air into the closet from the space 74 or from the outside when a ventilator such as 68 is employed. The ceiling of the closet is provided with one or more ventilators 81 having shutters or dampers preferably located substantially directly above the clothes. With this unique setup the clothes are arranged between one or more floor registers and one or more ventilators so that air from the space or outside may freely circulate through the clothes to maintain them substantially free of odor and mildew. If desired, a door 82 of the closet may be provided with a grille 83 and the top door stop removed to provide a space 84 so that air may also pass through the clothes and out through the grille 83 and/or space 84. It is to be understood that the ceiling ventilator 81 and grille 83 may be omitted, in which event, air will escape through space 84; that the ventilator 81 and space 84 may be omitted so that air will flow through the grille 83; and that when the grille 83 and space 84 are omitted, the air will flow through the ventilator 81. In other words, the closet may be provided with any one or all of the outlets just referred to.

As exemplified in FIGURE 14, the various pillars or piers utilized in supporting the upper slab of the various floor structures described above have their upper ends embedded in the upper slab and their lower ends embedded in the lower slab to provide a unitary structure or assembly. The pillars are preferably reenforced by an element, preferably of stiff rustproof wire, which is folded and twisted so that the bight or loop portion 45 is disposed below the pillar for anchorage in the lower slab and its free end portions extend above the pillar to provide a first seat 85 spaced from the pillar for supporting and connection with a lower reenforcing rod 46 in the upper slab. The end portions of the element are of a length so that they may be twisted about the aforesaid rod to provide a second seat 86 for supporting an upper cross rod 46 and twisting thereabout. It will be noted that a portion or portions of the upper slab are interposed between the upper end of the pillar and the lower rod and between the rods to promote strength and stability. Of further significance is the fact that all of the metal reenforcing elements and rods are fully encased or arranged within the confines of the pillars and floor structure in order to eliminate any exposed parts which might otherwise be subject to rusting or corrosion.

It is to be understood that the floor structure and wall structures above described provide a unique organization whereby warm or cool air may be efiiciently circulated for heating or cooling to the rooms or spaces to be conditioned. The various registers, passages, and openings in the floor and wall structures may be utilized to conduct or circulate air to or from the space between the slabs and/or the outside atmosphere. In other words, in some installations the space between the slabs and the passages in the wall structures and openings in the upper slab serve as cold air returns to a furnace and/r air conditioner.

Attention is directed to the fact that the various drains leading from the lower slabs are provided with suitable traps.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction shown, but that changes are contemplated as readily fall within the spirit of the invention as shall be determined by the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A unitary floor structure comprising: a rigid lower moulded horizontal slab having an upper surface; means supporting outer edge portions of said slab; a plurality of separate and spaced rigid upstanding columnar pillars having their lower ends embedded in and supported by said lower slab; said pillars being dispersed over the area of said lower slab; means fixed on said pillars and interlockingly embedded in the material of said lower slab; receiving means provided at the top of each pillar; substantially rigid reinforcing members extending over and bridging the spaces between said pillars; said receiving means engaging said reinforcing members and holding the same in fixed crossed relation to the tops of said pillars; the top of each pillar comprising an upper bearing surface surrounding said receiving means; a horizontal layer of filler disposed on said lower slab at a depth substantially corresponding to that of the height of said pillars, an upper moulded horizontal slab supported on said bearing surfaces of said pillars and said filler and substantially encompassing said reinforcing members and receiving means; said upper slab having a generally smooth lower surface spaced from said upper surface of said lower slab a predetermined distance, whereby said spaced slabs define therebetween a substantially unobstructed space for free circulation of air in all directions between said columnar pillars when said filler is removed; said upper slab having at least one edge portion which is inset with reference to an underlying edge portion of said lower slab to provide a space above said underlying edge portion; and a vertical wall structure supported on said underlying edge portion in juxtaposed relation to said one edge portion of said upper slab.

2. The floor structure defined in claim 1, in which said upper slab is provided with Walls defining a relatively small enclosure within which garments may be supported, said upper slab is provided with an opening communicating with said enclosure and said substantially unobstructed space, said vertical wall structure is provided with a passage communicating with said substantially unobstructed space, and said enclosure is provided with a vent so that air from the atmosphere may circulate through said passage, said space, said opening, said enclosure and out through said vent.

3. The floor structure defined in claim 1, in which said upper slab is provided with walls defining a relatively small enclosure within which a liquid-usable appliance may be disposed, said upper slab is provided with an opening communicating with said enclosure and said substantially unobstructed space, said upper surface of said lower slab is provided with a drain area disposed below said opening, and a drain communicates with said drain area and extends under said lower slab and laterally therefrom whereby any liquid released in said enclosure will flow through said outlet into said drain area and out through said drain laterally from said floor structure.

4. The floor structure defined in claim 1, in which said vertical wall structure is provided with an opening for communicatively connecting said substantially unobstructed space with the atmosphere.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 16,964 5/1928 Nicholson 52-169 X 758,728 5/1904 Wight et al 52-250 979,444 12/1910 De Armond 98-51 1,078,273 11/1913 Geraerdts et al. 52-266 1,105,682 8/1914 Newerf 52-261 1,280,726 10/1914 Havens 52-264 1,356,315 10/1920 Scofield et al. 52-685 1,538,743 5/1925 Prickett 52-741 1,584,019 5/1926 Doring 52-380 1,768,626 7/1930 Pedersen 52-333 1,796,476 3/1931 Pedersen 25-155 1,946,418 2/1934 Welch 1,956,879 5/1934 Sharp 52-741 1,961,838 6/1934 Bacigalupo 52-293 X 1,963,980 6/1934 Garret 52-353 2,107,523 2/1938 Coe 52-22 XR 2,151,420 3/1939 Carvel 52-410 2,167,208 7/1939 Hilpert 52-333 2,168,725 8/1939 Whelan 52-220 2,171,338 8/1939 Henderson 52-220 2,181,814 11/1939 Knapp 52-405 2,206,119 7/1940 Persons 52-303 XR 2,242,846 5/1941 Brice et al. 52-265 2,309,147 1/1943 Wilkinson 52-383 2,443,961 6/ 1948 Pelatowski 25-155 2,464,491 3/ 1949 Davis 52-291 2,535,691 12/1950 Miller 52-264 2,589,021 3/1952 0*Neal 52-169 X 2,593,424 4/1952 Edgerly 52-564 X 2,602,323 7/1952 Leemhuis 52-381 2,619,920 12/ 1952 Lindquist 52-302 2,688,291 9/1954 Cannard 52-302 2,920,475 1/ 1960 Graham 52-432 2,972,838 2/1961 Carlson 52-353 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,012,353 4/1952 France.

152,708 10/1920 Great Britain.

46,088 11/1919 Sweden.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, JACOB L. NACKENOFF,

Examiners.

J, L, RIDGILL, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A UNITARY FLOOR STRUCTURE COMPRISING: A RIGID LOWER MOULDED HORIZONTAL SLAB HAVING AN UPPER SURFACE; MEANS SUPPORTING OUTER EDGE PORTIONS OF SAID SLAB; A PLURALITY OF SEPARATE AND SPACED RIGID UPSTANDING COLUMNAR PILLARS HAVING THEIR LOWER ENDS EMBEDDED IN AND SUPPORTED BY SAID LOWER SLAB; SAID PILLARS BEING DISPERSED OVER THE AREA OF SAID LOWER SLAB; MEANS FIXED ON SAID PILLARS AND INTERLOCKINGLY EMBEDDED IN THE MATERIAL OF SAID LOWER SLAB; RECEIVING MEANS PROVIDED AT THE TOP OFEACH PILLAR; SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID REINFORCINGMEMBERS EXTENDING OVER AND BRIDGING THE SPACES BETWEEN SAID PILLARS; SAID RECEIVING MEANS ENGAGING SAID REINFDORCING MEMBERS AND HOLDING THE SAME IN FIXED CROSSED RELATIONTO THE TOPS OF SAID PILLARS; THE TOP OF EACH PILLAR COMPRISING AN UPPER BEARING SURFACE SURROUNDING SAID RECEIVING MEANS; A HORIZONTAL LAYER OF FILLER DISPOSED ON SAID LOWER SLAB AT A DEPTH SUBSTANTIALLY CORRESPONDING TO THAT OF THE HEIGHT OF SAID PILLARS, AN UPPER MOULDED HORIZONTAL SLAB SUPPORTED ON SAID BEARING SURFACES OF SAID PILLARS AND SAID FILLER AND SUBSTANTIALLY ENCOMPASSING SAID REINFORCING MEMBERS AND RECEIVING MEANS; SAID UPPER SLAB HAVING A GENERALLY SMOOTH LOWER SURFACE SPACED FROM SAID UPPER SURFACE OF SAID LOWER SLAB A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE, WHEREBY SAID SPACED SLABS DEFINE THEREBETWEEN A SUBSTANTIALLY UNOBSTRUCTED SPACE FOR FREE CIRCULATION OF AIR IN ALL DIRECTIONS BETWEEN SAID COLUMNAR PILLARS WHEN SAID FILLER IS REMOVED; SAID UPPER SLAB HAVING AT LEAST ONE EDGE PORTION WHICH IS INSET WITH REFERENCE TO AN UNDERLYING EDGE PORTION OF SAID LOWER SLAB TO PROVIDE A SPACE ABOVE SAID UNDERLYING EDGE PORTION; ANDA VERTICAL WALL STRUCTURE SUPPORTED ON SAID UNDERLYING EDGE PORTION IN JUXTAPOSED RELATION TO SAID ONE EDGE PORTION OF SAID UPPER SLAB. 